A fifth grader at Lewis County Central Elementary has recently been diagnosed with a form of cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma and has just begun a series of chemotherapy treatments that will continue for 54 weeks.
Eleven-year-old Tyra Hamilton is a patient at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, and underwent her first treatment on Thursday.
Tyra and her grandmother, Montana Zornes, attend Southern Manor Baptist Church and as word spread about the youngster and her illness many members of the community looked for ways they could help.
By Sunday Tyra and her family were on prayer lists at countless churches, a benefit was planned, an online contribution account was established, and an account has been established at a local bank to accept monetary donations.
Tyra’s classmates at LCCE have created videos the youngster can watch at the hospital and they have begun their own efforts to help out the family during this time.
Bro. Arthur Moore at Southern Manor Baptist Church said members there have organized a benefit at the church on December 3 that will include an auction. The church has also established an account at Citizens Deposit Bank where monetary donations may be directed.
Jennifer Richards has created an online GoFundMe account with a goal of raising $10,000 in donations to help the family.
“We know God is still in the healing business and we need all you prayer warriors out there to get on your knees,” Richards wrote.
“We are asking anyone who cares to donate, even if it’s just a dollar or two, to help Tyra and her family during her battle,” she added.
“We know the medical costs, and transportation and care costs are mounting. Please help so the family’s only worry is focusing on Tyra’s recovery,” Richards wrote.
Linda Davis, who is also Tyra’s grandmother, said the cancer originated in Tyra’s leg and has spread from there to several areas of her body.
“We are asking everyone to pray,” Davis wrote on her Facebook page. “Pray for her strength to be replenished daily and pray for her family as this journey begins. We are expecting a complete healing and trusting in Our Lord Jesus to see her through.”
“We are asking all local business and anyone who just wants to help for donations to help raise money for Tyra and her family,” reads a post on a social media page for Southern Manor Baptist Church.
Any business or individual who would like to donate a item for the benefit, or who is willing to help in any way, should contact Angie Clary, Susan Gilbert, or Bro. Arthur Moore at the church. Moore’s telephone number is 606-541-1700.
Southern Manor Baptist Church is located at 364 Lions Lane across from Lewis County Middle School at Vanceburg.
Online contributions may be made at https://www.gofundme.com/tyrahamiltoncancerfund.
Read about Tyra’s form of cancer here: http://sarcomahelp.org/rhabdomyosarcoma.html
